Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus. It is much easier to get than HIV (AIDS).

Sometimes the infection goes away by itself or sometimes people carry the virus for the rest of their lives and never know, but still give it to other people. A lot of people have hepatitis B without knowing it. It can cause serious problems later in life, including permanent liver disease and cancer of the liver.

The good news is that hepatitis B can be prevented by a vaccine.

The symptoms and signs

Most people who become infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms. Symptoms usually occur within two to six months after contact. They can include:

• poor appetite, nausea and vomiting
  
• headaches
• feeling very tired
  
• a general feeling of being unwell
  
• jaundice (yellow colouring of the eyes and skin).

How hepatitis B is spread

The hepatitis B virus is spread through infected body fluids such as blood, semen and vaginal fluid. An infant can be vaccinated at birth to protect against infection if the mother carries the hepatitis B virus.

To lower your chances of getting hepatitis B, make sure you:

• practice safer sex
• do not share needles and syringes
• do not share instruments used in body-piercing, tattooing or hair removal
  
• do not share toothbrushes or razors
  
• get vaccinated.

You can find out if you have hepatitis B through a blood test.

If you have been infected, avoid having sex until your doctor says it's okay.

Your sexual partner can be protected against the infection by getting the hepatitis B vaccine.

Remember, hepatitis B is not always an STI. You can get it other ways as well.

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